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1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike is the shortest version of all the trails that lead to the Inca city of Machupicchu, you walk the same route as the 2 days Inca Trail and the stretch that you walk on the fourth day of the Classic Inca Trail 4 days. The walk begins at km 104 of the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad, at an altitude of 2100 meters, reaching a maximum of 2,720 meters at the Sun Gate, 10.5 km away and takes 6 hours at a moderate pace. The journey is charming with beautiful panoramic views, full of flora and fauna also allows us to visit 3 wonderful Inca cities Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and in the afternoon to Machu Picchu when most visitors are on the way down. ( Book This Trip )
For those Travellers who have missed a space on Classic Inca Trail we have a GREAT Alternative trek to Machupicchu (See our 4 Day Salkantay Trek)
Click to see real travellers’ Reviews for a Wonderful Memorable Lifetime experience!
| 1 Day | Full Day
11 Miles /17.50 Km
Intermediate
2900 m / 2900 ft
Trekking Nature & Culture
02 Min - 08 Max
Venture into the heart of Peru’s ancient Inca civilization on our meticulously planned 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. You’ll embark on an unforgettable journey, navigating a path that blends the richness of history with the serenity of nature. You will traverse through the cloud forest, bearing witness to the majestic high-altitude landscapes that our ancestors marveled at. Trekking the same path they once did, you will reach the zenith of the Inca empire, Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail will guide you to fascinating archaeological sites, an integral part of the classic Inca Trail. We, along with our expert guides and trustworthy tour operator, will ensure you are properly prepared and informed about altitude sickness for the journey. As we progress along the trail, we shall arrive at the illustrious Sun Gate. It serves as the ultimate halt prior to the grand culmination of the trek: the majestic Machu Picchu.
Make sure to plan months in advance and secure the necessary Inca Trail permits from the Peruvian government. The allure of hiking to Machu Picchu draws trekkers from around the world. After the exhilarating trek, we will retire to Aguas Calientes, wrapping up the day with a quintessential Peruvian experience. Start planning for the unforgettable 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey that waits to unfold.
Set out on the Inca Trail 1-Day Tour, and brace yourself for an adventure steeped in history and natural beauty. Your day begins with an exploration of the Sacred Valley, a key part of the Inca Empire. Discover the Inca sites dotted along the trail and immerse yourself in the timeless stories they tell. As you traverse the Short Inca Trail, you’ll witness breathtaking vistas, a testament to the incredible diversity of the Peruvian landscape.
Be prepared for a physically demanding day as the trail undulates with ascents and descents. But rest assured, Inca Trail Tours ensure that your safety is paramount. Our experienced guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. Upon reaching the pinnacle of your journey, you will find a reward that undoubtedly justifies the arduous trek.
Please note:
Your 1-day Inca Trail adventure will begin at 4:00 a.m., departing from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. This will be a comfortable drive that will take approximately 1.5 hours. The trip from Ollantaytambo to km 104 will be by train, a scenic route that passes along the Urubamba River. Over the course of this day, you will cover a distance of approximately 9 kilometers, or approximately 6 miles.
Once we arrive at KM 104, we will begin the hike to the first archaeological site, Chachabamba. Then, you will ascend to the beautiful ruins of Wiñaywayna, located at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level. After exploring these sites, we will ascend to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. Here, you will find yourself at the highest point of the trek, at 2,720 meters above sea level.
From the Sun Gate, the first view of Machu Picchu will leave you in awe. Around 4:00 pm, we will arrive at the iconic panoramic viewpoint of the citadel of Machu Picchu. This will give you plenty of time to marvel at the architectural prowess of the Inca civilization. After your exploration, a bus will be ready to take us to Aguas Calientes.
The train back to Ollantaytambo will be waiting for us in Aguas Calientes, allowing us to relax after the day’s activities. Finally, we will return to Cusco by bus, arriving around 10:30 pm. This trip will mark the end of an unforgettable day on the Inca Trail. It is a moderately challenging day, but the views and the experience make every step worthwhile.
TOURIST TRANSPORTATION:
NOT INCLUDED:
DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)
UPGRADES:
RENTALS
ADITIONAL INFO:
We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
Availability (subject to availability): Daily departures All departures are 100% guaranteed. If you have booked, you go, we will not cancel your trip!!!!
How to book?
Send us all your personal information, as well as a first deposit of USD 200.00, and the final balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.
Group Service: Price per person: US$400.00
You will be accompanied in a group formed by people from different countries/nationalities: From 4 people up to 8 people (maximum)
Private service: Price per person: US $500
Recommended for honeymooners, families with children, and groups of friends (minimum two people).
If you are a group of 02, we leave (no matter if you have paid as a group service). We NEVER pass our people on to another operator, as most agencies do here in Cusco.
UPGRADES:
RENTALS:
Trekking poles (Dimond black) Rubber tips included: USD 15 for the whole trip.
Backpack 20–30 liters (rain cover included): USD 20 for the whole trip.
DISCOUNTS:
(to apply discounts, email us at info@quechuasexpeditions.com).
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Licensed trek operators: The INC (Institute of National Culture) is the regulatory body responsible for controlling access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. In order to operate the Inca Trail companies must meet certain basic requirements proving that they have professional guides and good camping equipment, radio communications and emergency first aid including oxygen. The license to operate the Inca Trail is renewed at the beginning of each year. Due to legal problems the Government has found it hard to withdraw licenses from poor performing companies and every tour operator that has satisfied the basic requirements has so far been given a license. Legislation is likely to be introduced later in 2008 to give more power to the Ministry of Tourism and allow them to fine, suspend or close badly performing companies. A comprehensive list of licensed Inca Trail tour operators can be found by clicking here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for BOOKING the INCA TRAIL for 2023
– Whether you are trekking the Inca Trail in 2023, it is recommended to secure your spots as soon as possible (CHECK the OFFICIAL INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY ABOVE) – there is no reason to wait! – BOOK NOW!
– The number of available spaces shown in this page is for both: for the CLASSIC INCA TRAIL which is done in 4 Days, 5 Days, 3 Days and 6 Days the ones that goes via Salkantay. And the Short Inca Trail that starts from Km 104 always has spaces. Please, confirm which of them are you interested when consulting or booking
– We provide guaranteed Inca Trail departures every single day in 2023 as long as there are available spaces; so you can START THE TREK any date marked in GREEN (except during February when the Inca Trail is closed).
– The Inca Trail is CLOSED every year in FEBRUARY for maintenance, for allowing conservation projects, and too much rain; so this month is not available.
– Whether INCA TRAIL permits for your desired date are SOLD OUT, you can always pre-reserve for another date, for next year or simply consider other alternative tours which get to MachuPicchu as well
– SALKANTAY TREK
– LARES TREK
– INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
– CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
– VILCABAMBA TREK
– ANCASCOCHA TREK
– OR SHORT INCA TRAIL 2/D or INCA TRAIL 3/D which is available always
– Keep in mind that no matter which tour you choose, the grand tour of MachuPicchu in the end will be almost the same; what will vary is the previous part or how you will get there (this is through the Trails, by Train or through any of the alternative treks)
– The maximum number of available Inca Trail permits is 500. Support staff is included within the five hundred, meaning that only about 200 permits are allocated for tourists and about 300 for cooks, porters and guides each day.
– No travel agency or tour operator will be able to offer you a space for the Inca Trail, unless there are available spaces shown for the date you want to start the trek. Keep also in mind that if you find 90 spaces or less, it means that you have to book your Inca Trail as fast as you can since the remaining spaces can sell out within the following hours or even minutes.
– Also it is important to know that NO matter how many clients cancel their Inca Trail reservations, NOBODY else can use these spaces as the system is designed to prevent some companies to book the spaces with made-up information in advance and then change it with that of their last-minute real clients.
– We hope you find this information on the Inca Trail Availability useful and if so, start dreaming about your next adventure in 2017!
HOW TO BOOK INCA TRAIL
Instructions to Book Online (Reservations) Choose a date
First step: Check the Availability
Ensure that you are making the reservation plenty of time in advance. Check that there are still spaces available in our group and book as far ahead as possible since our trek departures dates are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date that you enter Peru. If you do not have a valid passport or plan to renew your passport before coming to Peru please see our Frequently Asked Questions and Booking & Conditions page for more details.
Choose your preferred date or join us to any of fixed departure date (We need 02 people to open a new departure date) and please note we will never pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. (they share transportation, Food, Guide, Cook and porters) to minimize costs that’s why many charge less than us. because they are thinking to share with other companies. But Quechuas Expeditions organize the trip even the group is of 02 ppl.
We require all Personal information as well as a Non-refundable US$200 to ensure your Inca Trail permits and porters permits as well as Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fees.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We have received feedback from many clients saying that our confirmation emails are often directed to their spam folder rather than their inbox. To ensure that you receive our reply, please modify your Junk or Spam filter settings to allow the incoming info@quechuasexpeditions.com email address. You may also want to add this email address to your list of known contacts.
First check the Inca Trail availability to ensure we have a confirmed date for your departures please click to:
Second step: Check your Personal Information and BOOK
Fill in our Inca Trail booking form(See the Attached File). Please do not make a reservation until you have all the details below. We cannot accept a booking without all the names, nationalities, passport numbers and ages:
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
• Complete names and surnames (as in your passport appears)
• Passport Nationality
• Passport number
• Date of Birth
• Gender
IMPORTANT NOTE: The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the Government Institution (INC) in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform toy your Travel Consultant via e-mail as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. Quechuas Expeditions Tours excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.
Third step: Trek deposit
To secure the Inca Trail Reservation with us, the client must deposit US$200 . Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. Without a down payment your Inca Trail Trek is not confirmed.
Payment can either be made by Western Union, Paypal, Bank Transfer(western union the fastest and safest method of Payment in Peru).
Fourth step: Confirmation Travel Invoice
We will send you a Travel Invoice of the trek and deposit (with the signing of our Travel Consultant), when we receive all requirements above. You have to print this document to show in our office in Cusco.
Fifth Step: Come to Cusco and pay the remaining trek balance in Cash
You can pay the balance of the trek at our offices in Cusco (minimum of 2 days before trek departure, before 10:00am). Payment can be made in cash US$, local currency (Peruvian Nuevo Soles) or American Express Travel Checks (+ 5% commission charged). You can withdraw cash in either US$ or Peruvian Sole from one of the many ATM machines in Cusco (Visa, MasterCard, etc). Prior to departing for Peru it is advisable to inform your bank that you are coming to Peru, so that you do not experience any problems with your credit/bank cards whilst abroad. Remember that the limit that you can withdraw each day in Peru may be less than your normal limit at home.
INCA TRAIL PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING
• Briefing before the Inca Trail
Pre-departure briefing;
One or two days before departure our representative in Cusco will contact the clients in their hotels, where you will meet with your guide, he’ll provide information and answer any questions they might have about their Inca trail program. We must be informed in which hotels the clients are staying and the date of their arrival.
Where you will meet with your group and guide, here you will be given any rental equipment such as sleeping bags and duffle bags if you have requested extra porter the actual time of your briefing (6 or 7pm) will be confirmed at your check-in at the office 2 days prior to the trek.
If you do not have an operator in Cusco our office can take care of the reconfirmation of any domestic flights to Lima or other cities. Please ask for further information when you make your reservation.
ABOUT CAMPSITES ON THE INCA TRAIL
Please note that we are not in control of the campsites we are issued with from the Institute of National Culture. In general your campsite allocation is dependent on how early you book, or rather, how many permits are left. The first 250 spaces are generally given to Wiñay Wayna (3rd campsite) and thereafter you will have a longer walk to Machu Picchu on the last day and it could mean you do not make it for sunrise. Do not let this disappoint you as Machu Picchu is marvelous in itself!
Porters Working Conditions: In April 2002 a new law was introduced to set a minimum wage for all porters on the Inca Trail. This has followed years of exploitation. This wage is 45 Peruvian Soles per day which is about US$ 16. It may not seem a lot but wages are all relative to livings costs and compared to other professions 45 Soles is quite well paid. Even though the law exists it is not being enforced and many companies are still paying their porters as low as US$ 5 per day. In 2002 the maximum weight that a porter can carry was limited to 20kg (15kg load + 5kg personal items). All porters have their weight checked by government officials at the start of the trail. However even this system is open to abuse and many tour operators get their guides and assistants to carry large loads across the checkpoint where they are dropped and left for the porters to pick up. Many trekkers who have hired an extra porter are also asked to carry their bags across the checkpoint to be given to the porters after they have been weighed. (and Many Travel agencies are sharing porters once they are on the Inca trail that’s why most of the are overloaded and there are agencies that include porter service on their prices because they don’t care they only want to sell Inca Trail)So even with the new regulations and a weigh-station at the beginning of the trail it is still possible to see porters carry loads of up to 35kg or more.
What about my luggage which I don’t need on the trek?
We suggest you to leave your entire luggage, which you don’t need during the trekking, behind in your hotel. Almost every hotel in Cusco has a safety deposit where you can store your luggage and do not charge for this service when you’ll return to the same hotel after your trek. But if they dont have a place we also have a place where you can leave with us. Let us know Please.
How much does the sleeping mat and sleeping bag weigh?
Sleep mat weight = 1 kg
Sleeping bag weight = 2 kg
What if I have a medical emergency while hiking the trail?
Guides carry a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/ scrapes, etc.). They receive Red Cross First Aid and other emergency training every year. Our guides lead over 300 travelers along the Inca trail each year and we have rarely had a traveler unable to complete the hike. In these rare instances when someone has not felt well enough to finish the hike, he/ she has been escorted back to Cusco and generally felt well enough to re-join the group in Machu Picchu via train a few days later. Cusco has the nearest modern medical facilities so travelers with a serious medical emergency would need to be evacuated there. Guides and porters have pre-established evacuation strategies in place should this need occur.
What equipment is supplied by Quechuas Expeditions?
We supply the sleeping tents (4 season Aluminum poles tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity ten), dining tents, tables, chairs, toilet tents, cooking equipment, water purifiers, air Thermarest mattresses, and other camping equipment. Our outfitter purchases the highest quality equipment in Peru and older equipment is evaluated and replaced on a regular basis.
What do I need to carry?
We recommend that travelers carry the items that they will need each day while hiking such as water, snacks, camera and film. Porters will carry all of your other supplies including camping equipment, clothes, sleeping bags, etc. We generally ask travelers to bring only the belongings that they will need for the trail and leave any unneeded luggage at the hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. To prevent porters from becoming overloaded, we ask all travelers to limit their personal belongings to 12 lbs for the hike.
and if you have an extra porter he will carry all your personal stuff and depends on the pottering service you have requested
Full Porter(12kg) Half Porter(6kg) and Porter to carry Sleeping bag and Pad(4 kg)
What are the guides like?
Our Quechuas Expeditions Tours guides are among the very best and most experienced guides anywhere. They are from the surrounding Cusco/ Sacred Valley area and speak fluent English, in addition to Spanish and the native language of Quechua. Most have 5-10 years of experience leading Inca trail hikes and all have training in the history, spirituality, culture, and ecology of the area. We receive rave reviews on our guides. For more information, check out our Testimonials at: Our Testimonials Most of them are highly recommended by Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor.
What is the food like on the Inca trail?
A cook accompanies every group on the Inca trail. Almost invariably, travelers comment on the delicious menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hearty snacks are provided for your hike. Meals are a mix of local specialties and international favorites. Check out our Inca Trail menu. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request. Other special dietary requests can usually be accommodated as well with sufficient notice. (You will never be hungry with us. there will be plenty of food)
How is drinking water supplied?
Although there are places to purchase bottled water occasionally along the trail, we recommend that travelers bring their own refillable bottles to limit plastic waste. Water is boiled, treated with iodine, and then filtered with one of our portable filters (Katadyn and PUR commonly used). It is available in the morning to fill your bottles and at every meal.
What about late cancellations?
Current regulations do not allow us to replace cancelled passengers with new passengers. Trek permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
If I give you my deposit now, do you buy my permit immediately?
Not necessarily immediately, but we customarily purchase the permits within a few days of receiving your deposit.
and if you want us to act Asap (Send us Your deposit by Western Union wich is the fastest and safest way in Cusco, Peru and we can get the money in Minutes and Confirm the Trip in Minutes as well.)
Traveler2024-02-28 Salkantay survivors We did the 5 days-salkantay trek to Machupicchu uin the rain season february, everything was awe-some, food, landscapes, tour services, the amazing guide Fernando, this guys Is actually amazing i recommend to him to every-body Spencer O2024-02-28 5 Day Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu It was a great time. Really enjoyed the experience with friends, something to cherish for the rest of my life. If you go I highly recommend you ask for Fernando. He was our guide for the entire trip. Extremely knowledgeable and made the experience that much more memorable. He started the trip as a guide and by the end became a friend, the time you spend on the trek, you really want someone who fits with your group and I can't imagine a better person who could fit better in anyone's group. As well, the trek itself was difficult but very enjoyable, something to push yourself to your limits. Every day was extremely rewarding, not to mention the hot springs was well worth it. Ted2024-02-24 Best Peru Experience Had an amazing trip. Fernando the tour guide was the highlight, and made our experience fantastic. I would recommend the trip simply for the quality of the guide. Tyrell T2024-01-27 Spectacular hike We had the opportunity to do the Inca trail to Machu Picchu with (QUECHUA EXPEDITIONS). Fantastic and absolutely recommended. They offer a very interesting package both for the price and for the service. Our guide Fernando Illapa taught us a lot about Inca history and the Andean way of life. He and our cook were very attentive and cordial throughout the experience. Our food was amazing and the camping equipment in perfect condition. D r2024-01-27 an unforgettable experience It was a wonderful experience. From the beginning Wayra gave us all the information, always attentive and answering all our questions. During the trip we had Fernando Illapa as our guide. We must say that he is a great professional, thoroughly knowledgeable about the path and with a great sense of humor and a lot of patience, which made everything easier in the most demanding moments of the Inca trail. The accompanying team is very organized and I must say that the food exceeded our expectations. Dishes that could well be served in a restaurant and extremely abundant. We did the road with my husband and there were very difficult sections of great physical demand, but the impressive landscapes and discovering archaeological sites along the way make it worth it. We were also fortunate to have excellent travel companions. An unforgettable experience with the help of a professional team that paid attention to all the details. Agnieszka Z2024-01-25 A must in Peru The whole experience was amazing! The trek can be tough but it’s doable even for not super fit people. The views are breathtaking! Thanks a lot to our super nice guide Jose and amazing chef Armando who made the whole tour even better. T D2024-01-18 we would do it again The trip and itinerary that they organized for us was incredible! Very organized, excellent guide named Fernando Illapa, who made us feel at home. Very attentive, smiling and charismatic. Everything was a dream trip. We visited the mountain of seven colors, we did the 4-day Inca trail, we went to the Puerta del Sol, to MachuPicchu, wayna picchu, to the hot springs of Machupicchu town, gampling; Anyway, we did everything and it was an unforgettable trip. Zach S2024-01-18 Una muy buena experiencia, gracias Hay muchas opciones de trekking para el Camino Inka, ¡pero no busques más que aquí! Cada persona en la organización es amable, profesional y servicial. ¡Nuestro guía, Fernando, fue fantástico! Fue informativo, paciente y nos guió de manera experta a lo largo del hermoso Camino Inka a Machu Picchu sin un solo problema. ¡Tener un guía que hable perfecto inglés y español es extremadamente necesario y tiene la experiencia para hacer que tu experiencia sea inolvidable! Zach S2024-01-18 What an otherworldly experience. We had an amazing experiencies with a great team in the inka trail, in Cusco there are many trekking options for the Inka Trail, but look no further than here! Every person in the organization is friendly, professional and helpful. Our guide, Fernando, was fantastic! He was patient and expertly guided us along the beautiful Inka Trail to Machu Picchu without a single problem. Having a guide who speaks perfect English and Spanish is extremely necessary and has the experience to make your experience unforgettable! Rachel Z2024-01-13 INCREDIBLE!! This tour company is truly the best. They took amazing care of us ensuring that we had everything we needed and made sure to help provide what we forgot to bring. The guide - Fernando - was so kind and knowledgeable. If you’re looking to hike to Machu Picchu this is the place to book!!! I can’t recommend them enough we had and amazing time.
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Quechuas Expeditions is a tour operator with more than 20 years of experience in the service and quality of attention to all our travelers; we are direct operators in all our routes; that is why we will always be with you.
We are a company committed with our workers, our environment and the commitment with our community; we offer responsible trips all over Peru; with us you can personalize your trip.
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